Irish night to raise cash for historic hall

AN IRISH music night is being staged to raise funds to repair one of the borough’s oldest performing venues.

A team of volunteers wants to make improvements to St Joseph’s Hall, Leigh, which is in desperate need of refurbishment.

The hall, which was built in 1926, has played host to dozens of top folk bands, famous comedy acts including Ken Dodd, and is home to the oldest amateur dramatic society in the country, the St Joseph’s Players.

The Irish Night will be headlined by Warrington-based folk band The Bogtrotters, who have played extensively in Europe and USA, Singapore, Dubai and Moscow.

Committee member Des Cooney said: “The hall is old and dated, and hasn’t been maintained as it could have been. Some time ago we decided that we needed to raise money to improve facilities within the hall not only to assure the future of St Joseph’s Players but also to encourage other people and groups within the local community to use it.

“If the closure of Lowton Civic Hall and Formby Halls go ahead, then St Joseph’s will be one of the few venues capable of hosting large events.”

Volunteers hope they can raise enough funds to refurbish the hall’s toilets and replace chandeliers. Parts of the hall have already been redecorated.

The Irish Night at St Joseph’s Hall, in Chapel Street, Leigh, takes place on Saturday, April 2, at 8pm. Tickets cost £8. For more information, call 01942 674868.